John Koza

John Koza, a computer scientist and the inventor of scratch-off lottery tickets, shares the fascinating journey of how these instant lotteries transformed American gambling. He discusses the surprising fact that Americans spend more on scratch tickets than on pizza or Coca-Cola. Koza details the innovative collaboration that led to their creation and the challenges of fraud prevention. The conversation explores the cultural impact of scratch tickets in Massachusetts, addressing their addictive nature and societal implications.

In this engaging discussion, guest John Koza, the computer scientist who revolutionized the lottery with the scratch-off ticket, dives into America's obsession with gambling. He shares how the lottery’s roots intertwined with issues of crime and politics, transforming from taboo to mainstream. Koza recounts the fascinating evolution of scratch tickets, capturing public excitement and their cultural significance. You'll discover how a blend of technology and gaming reshaped the landscape of lotteries and what it means for Americans chasing quick riches.

John Koza, a pioneering computer scientist and founder of Scientific Games, shares his groundbreaking journey of inventing the instant scratch card. He reveals how early promotional games had serious security flaws and how his innovative multi-pass printing technique created unique, secure tickets. Koza discusses his strategic pitches to state lotteries, the legal challenges faced, and the excitement of launching the first scratch cards in Massachusetts in 1974. His insights highlight how this invention transformed the lottery industry and became a cultural phenomenon.